We’re deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 20-year-old Olivia Burt, who exhibited both determination and good sportsmanship as a popular and committed Junior and Youth squad sailor, and as a successful senior competitor. Our thoughts are with Olivia’s family and friends pic.twitter.com/SPYbeEitFN

According to The Tab student newspaper, the bar was packed and there was a long queue waiting to get in.

In a statement, Missoula said it was “a terrible accident” and said staff were working with the police and security company that provides door staff.

Det Supt Kevin Weir, of Durham Police, said the force and Durham County Council were investigating the death.

Missoula’s Wednesday-evening event, Game Over, is described by the club as Durham’s biggest student night.

Students said the venue in Walkergate is often busy and uses barriers when queues of people are waiting to get in.

Chris Atherton, a spokesman for The Royal Yachting Association, of which Miss Burt was also a member, said: “Olivia’s passion for sailing always shone through and all those who knew her in the sailing community will miss her tremendously; she was both a likeable and fair competitor.”